1BHK vs 2BHK vs 3BHK: Which Home Size is Most Preferred in Indian Cities?
As India's real estate market evolves, homebuyers are increasingly debating the ideal home size. This article explores the popularity of 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK apartments across Indian cities in H1 2025.
Real EstateHome Buying1bhk2bhk3bhkReal EstateOct 01, 2025
3BHK Homes: New Center of Growth in Urban Cities
According to figures, 3BHK homes represented nearly 50% of the overall demand in the top 13 cities (approximately 50% market share) in India in Q1 2025. When looking at demand across metropolitan cities, demand was particularly high in Hyderabad (68%), Gurugram (61%), Chennai (61%), Noida (60%), and Delhi (58%). 3BHK demand also exceeded 50% in Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, and was around 45% in Greater Noida.
The high demand for 3BHK homes is attributed to several factors:
- A lifestyle change due to the pandemic, with families looking for larger homes to accommodate working and studying from home, as well as for wellness.
- Changing aspirations, increased incomes, and smaller joint families.
- A larger number of upscale and premium new launches, which have boosted both sales and prices.
Almost half of the properties sold in the first half of 2025 had a price of over ₹1 crore, with more of the sales value attributable to 3BHKs and larger homes in NCR, MMR, and Bengaluru.
The Ongoing Success of 2BHK Apartments
In early 2025, 2BHKs made up 35% of overall demand in India and remained a large share of demand in some western and central metros. The market for 2BHKs had a preference greater than 40% in MMR, Pune, and Kolkata. The primary buyers of 2BHKs are higher-income nuclear families, working couples, and people upgrading from a 1BHK.
2BHKs are still priced below ₹1 crore in many micro-markets near metros or in tier 2 cities. They offer space at an affordable price, with less maintenance and superior resale liquidity, making them a good investment.
1BHK – The MVP of Price Growth
The fastest price appreciation in 2025 belonged to 1BHKs, with an annual price increase of 34.4%, outperforming other segments. Western metros like Mumbai (20% of total demand) and Thane (13%) had the largest demand for 1BHKs, both as purchase and rental options. 1BHKs are also popular with young professionals, singles, students, and senior citizens.
The demand for 1BHKs is fueled by high property rates, investment demand, and the lifestyle need for small, easy-to-rent homes. Better rental yields for 1BHKs were seen in particular in pricey markets.
Trends and Insights
The focus of buyers has shifted toward larger, premium homes, fueled by higher incomes, end-user demand, and the desire for better amenities. In the majority of metros, high ratings and reduced supply have pushed smaller homes to outlying areas or Tier-2 cities. The rental market is seeing a comeback for 1BHKs in markets like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane due to better rental yields.
Families are increasingly focusing on extra space for multi-generational living and work-from-home needs, particularly in Delhi NCR and South India.
Conclusion
The 3BHK apartment saw a strong presence in the home sales and markets of multiple Indian cities in H1 2025, especially in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and more. The 2BHK remained particularly strong in the West of India, while the 1BHK category saw demand and rapid price lift in markets where affordability trumped space. Buyers are seeking housing where they find a balance of investment value, lifestyle, and returns that will support the asset over the long term, making urban housing in India more dynamic than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which home size saw the highest demand in H1 2025?
3BHK homes saw the highest demand, representing nearly 50% of the overall demand in the top 13 cities in India in Q1 2025.
Why are 3BHK homes in high demand?
3BHK homes are in high demand due to a lifestyle change post-pandemic, increased incomes, smaller joint families, and a larger number of upscale and premium new launches.
What is the primary buyer profile for 2BHK apartments?
The primary buyers of 2BHK apartments are higher-income nuclear families, working couples, and people upgrading from a 1BHK.
Why are 1BHKs seeing rapid price growth?
1BHKs are seeing rapid price growth due to high property rates, investment demand, and the lifestyle need for small, easy-to-rent homes, particularly in pricey markets.
What are the key trends in the Indian real estate market?
Key trends include a shift toward larger, premium homes, high ratings and reduced supply pushing smaller homes to outlying areas, and a growing demand for multi-generational living and work-from-home spaces.
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